In a breathtaking display of cricketing prowess, the Nepal men’s cricket team etched their names in history during a riveting group match against Mongolia at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. This electrifying encounter not only kick-started the men’s tournament but also witnessed a phenomenal series of T20I records being shattered.
The Asian Games, which had already witnessed India securing the gold medal in the women’s cricket event earlier this week, witnessed a historic milestone in its very first match of the men’s tournament. Nepal, with a display of extraordinary batting firepower, achieved an astonishing feat by posting an incredible total of 314/3 in their allotted 20 overs. This remarkable achievement made Nepal the first team ever to breach the monumental 300-run mark in the shortest format of the game.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had previously conferred T20I status upon the matches at the Asian Games, further elevating the significance and competitiveness of this prestigious event.
Notably, Dipendra Singh Airee, a standout performer in Nepal’s line-up, not only played a pivotal role in their record-breaking team total but also etched his name in the record books. Airee achieved the distinction of breaking the long-standing record held by former Indian cricketing legend Yuvraj Singh for the fastest T20I half-century. Yuvraj’s record of reaching the half-century mark in just 12 balls during the 2007 World Cup against England had remained untouched for years. However, Airee surpassed this milestone in just nine deliveries, finishing with an unbeaten score of 52 runs off only 10 balls, including an astounding 48 runs from sixes.
But the records didn’t stop there. The pinnacle of this historic encounter was reached when Kushal Malla, Nepal’s emerging star, outshone India captain Rohit Sharma and South Africa’s batting sensation David Miller. Malla etched his name in cricket history by scoring the fastest T20I century, accomplishing this remarkable feat in a mere 34 deliveries. Both Rohit Sharma and David Miller had previously achieved the three-figure milestone in 35 balls. Malla’s blazing innings featured a breathtaking 137 runs, including 8 fours and an astonishing 12 sixes, leaving spectators and cricket enthusiasts in sheer amazement.
As the cricketing world reverberates with Nepal’s extraordinary accomplishments, the Asian Games men’s cricket tournament promises to be an exhilarating spectacle filled with record-breaking moments and intense competition.
Here’s the list of the highest T20I scores in history:
1: Nepal – 314/4 vs Mongolia (2023)
2: Afghanistan – 278/3 vs Ireland (2019)
3: Czech Republic – 278/4 vs Turkey (2019)
4: Australia – 263/3 vs Sri Lanka (2016)
5: Sri Lanka 260/6 vs Kenya (2007)
